SAG-AFTRA Condemns ‘Blatant Infringement’ in Seedance AI Videos

Concerns surround the entertainment industry as SAG-AFTRA targets ByteDance’s new AI video model, Seedance 2.0, for alleged copyright violations. The union’s President, Sean Astin, has been among the high-profile figures whose likeness has been featured in these controversial videos.

SAG-AFTRA’s Stand Against Seedance 2.0

Seedance 2.0 has gained attention for using the likenesses of various actors without consent. One notable instance is Sean Astin’s appearance as Samwise Gamgee from “The Lord of the Rings.” In the video, he famously quotes, “Mr. Frodo, why don’t we just take the Eagles straight to Mount Doom?”

Blatant Infringement Allegations

SAG-AFTRA has branded the use of these actors in Seedance videos as “blatant infringement.” The union asserted, “The unauthorized use of our members’ voices and likenesses is unacceptable and undermines their ability to earn a living.” They emphasized the necessity for responsible AI development that adheres to legal and ethical guidelines.

Industry Reactions

• Disney issued a cease and desist letter to ByteDance, alleging a pirated collection of its intellectual property, including characters from Star Wars and Marvel.
• The Motion Picture Association has also criticized ByteDance, urging the company to halt its infringing activities.
• A coalition called the Human Artistry Campaign condemned Seedance 2.0, highlighting the threat it poses to creators.

Legal Actions and Advocacy

David Singer, a partner at Jenner & Block, has led efforts against unlicensed AI video platforms. Last June, he initiated a lawsuit against Midjourney and sent a separate cease and desist letter to Google regarding unauthorized use of Disney characters on the Veo platform. These actions coincide with Disney’s agreement to license characters to OpenAI for use on the Sora 2 platform.

Challenges with AI Technology

Seedance 2.0 represents a technological leap by merging audio and video in a more cinematic manner. SAG-AFTRA has been actively seeking to establish regulations regarding AI replication of actors’ likenesses. In 2023, the union went on strike to advocate for “consent and compensation” for the use of recognizable actors by studios.

As SAG-AFTRA continues its negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the conversation around the ethical implications of AI in entertainment remains crucial.